Head teacher denies mistreatment at tribunal

A tribunal has heard from a head teacher accused of unacceptable professional conduct towards pupils in Welshpool. At the hearing, Eirios Hall denied any mistreatment, arguing she told a boy with a speech impediment to "open his mouth and speak properly" as part of his speech therapy.

In 2009, when she was head teacher of Ardwyn nursery and infants school, in Welshpool, Mrs Hall is alleged to have presided over a 'reign of terror'. One former teacher said Mrs Hall even made one child wet himself because she wouldn't let him go to the toilet.

Explaining her actions at the General Teaching Council for Wales in Cardiff, she also admitted grabbing and pulling a four year old up by his sweatshirt - but she said "It was a mad moment of caring" and that she thought he was going to fall down.

Teachers who support the former head teacher are due to speak in support of her tomorrow.